Conventional screws and nuts have been used for many years in the computer and telecommunications sectors. These fasteners were popular for attaching electronic equipment from panels to racks. Captive screws took over the market a few decades ago and gained more favor than the traditional nuts, screws, and bolts.
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The industry continues to thrive, and studies indicate that the screw, bolt, and nut sector in the U.S, employs 131,949 people. Conventional screws had some drawbacks; for example, during movement, the fastened equipment could disengage. The problem of loose screws caused damage to expensive and sensitive equipment. Read on to learn how captive fasteners eliminated most of these issues and proved to be more efficient.
Captive fasteners meld with the parent equipment through cold forming, creating a permanent hold even when disengaged from the panel. A traditional screw goes through a clearance space in one part and fastens into a threaded hole in a second section.
During the unscrewing process, the second component separates easily from the first part. Custom fasteners are designed to prevent the separation between the equipment and the bolt. The screw cannot separate from the parent material, but can readily revolve within the first part, with some axial motion.
Captive screws are ideal when there is a need to keep the fastener attached to the equipment, for example, in cover panels. Additionally, these bolts meet some machinery safety guidelines.
Custom screws offer a secure, low-risk, and faster experience than conventional fasteners. These micro screws eliminate age-related degradation seen with traditional nuts. These screws can keep your equipment protected because they do not clog or damage the machinery.
A captive fastener offers a high degree of protection against stress, movements such as vibrations, and other mechanical forces. Falling out is a common problem with traditional nuts, which could lead to damage and huge losses.
Custom fasteners are also easy and convenient to use when assembling machinery or furniture. Disassembling the screws is straightforward as well because it only needs little manipulation to release the bolts. Some screws use the twist and lock method and are ideal for assembling furniture.
The nuts lock onto the parent material, including wood or metal, and can be freed using a screwdriver. In the computer realm, the fastening of the bolts is performed directly onto the parent panel to ensure a high level of permanency.
Most captive screws come with a hexagonal head that requires specialized tools to fasten, such as a wrench. Some nuts have standard heads that are designed to be used with the regular screwdrivers or drill equipment. Examples of common screw heads include binding, oval, flat, truss, washer, and socket heads, among others.
Custom fasteners also come in different materials such as steel, zinc, nickel, aluminum, brass, and more. It is advisable to seek guidance from reputable companies such as Mini CNC Parts and Custom Fasteners for more material options. Captive fasteners have several sizes and configurations intended for a broad range of applications.
Custom screws are ideal because they are made depending on the needs and preferences of the customer. For instance, some bolts are designed to rotate back or retract to safeguard the user by preventing any cuts by the screw. Having myriads of options is beneficial because different applications command for screws with different threading or grooves.
Some screws can be attached using thumb pressure. The neoteric designs are made to deliver top-level consistent mechanical soldering ideal for electronic heat sink applications. The high-level fastening amplifies the thermal conductivity. Such screws provide excellent fastening irrespective of any shock, chip thermal-expansion, and vibration of the device.
Captive screws are better than conventional ones due to multiple reasons such as secure and permanent fastening, simple and convenient usage, and protection of equipment. Customers can find an eclectic mix of screws depending on their preference, needs, and the application. Contact us today if you need custom screws that will meet your unique needs.